GROWING fears over physical and sexual abuse of vulnerable and disabled people has led to Lancashire County Council drawing up a set of tough guidelines.

The set of guidelines is aimed at protecting adults who have to be cared for from sexual, physical and mental cruelty.

In recent years the spotlight has been on focused on the elderly but there is also growing public concern for the plight of the disabled.

Council bosses have joined forces with social workers and police officers who specialise in investigating abuse cases to tackle the problem. The new procedures are set to be introduced in the coming months by a specially set up working group.

And a review of the new policy will be carried out in 12 months time to ensure they are working properly.

The new guidelines include definitions of all types of abuse and how to spot the tell tale signs of cruelty.

They apply to all vulnerable adults and recognise the person responsible could be a professional carer, official visitor or a relative.

A report to a county council Social Services sub-committee reads: "The subject of adult abuse has been receiving growing interest from the public, the media and voluntary and statutory agencies.

"There have been occasional cases throughout the country which have have highlighted weaknesses in communication and co-ordination between the agencies."

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